What constitutes a public record in Ohio?

A public record means any records kept by any public office, except those records that are otherwise identified as exempt under the Ohio Public Records Act or the release of which is prohibited by state or federal law. Ohio Revised Code § 149.011(G):

Does Ohio have a Freedom of Information Act?

How does the federal Freedom of Information Act apply in Ohio? No. The federal FOIA does not apply to state agencies or officers. If you want records from a state agency or officer, your request must be made pursuant to Ohio’s public records act, which is codified in the Ohio Revised Code at 149.43.

How do you make a public records request in Ohio?

Go Above and Beyond the Law:

1. Write the kind of request letter that you would like to receive.
2. Try to deliver request to the records officer or other “person responsible for public records.”
3. Offer to discuss terms or scope of request.
4. Ask what would make it more convenient or least burdensome for the office.

What records are considered public?

Government records, from court cases to property deeds, are usually considered public records since they are filed with or kept by a government agency and thus are generally available to the public. State and federal statutes decide what are public records and who can gain access to them.

What is Ohio public record?

Under the Ohio Public Records Act, a public record is any item kept by a public office that: is stored on a fixed medium; documents the organization, functions, policies, decisions, procedures, operations, or other activities of the office.

What is a criminal record in Ohio?

The full name of the subject and any known aliases

What is open records law?

Open Record Law and Legal Definition. An open record is an allotted time period which is granted by a judge. During an allotted time period, evidence and/or written arguments or responses can be submitted by one or more hearing parties or evidence can be received from subpoenas duces tecum recipients.